This is a long-standing strategy that Washington has pursued. In fact, there has generally been more continuity than disruption in US-China relations.

The US has not shifted its stance on Russia either.

The expected warming in US-Russia relations has not happened. Washington has neither abandoned its sanctions policies nor backed off its commitment to the Ukrainians.

US deployments in Eastern Europe have continued. Larger air bases are being built in Romania, and troop rotations in the Baltics and Poland are underway.

Meanwhile, the US relationship with NATO remains intact. Trump campaigned on the notion that NATO should be redefined, but he has since reaffirmed US commitment to NATO.

Trump Is a Hostage to History

The countries that hope or fear that the US may soon change its course will have to wait a little longer.

This is the reality of foreign policy.

In spite of the wishes of presidents, the United States is part of the global system economically, militarily, and politically. Sudden moves—outside of rhetoric—are impossible.

The structure of the system forces nations to move slowly. Economic relations are extremely complex and are thus resistant to change. Each move has painful outcomes.

The international posture of the US is even harder to change than its healthcare system. It is a posture that has been sinking its roots into the global system since World War II.

Altering this can be difficult if not impossible without harming US interests.

In the end, presidents are confined by reality. And the reality is that the United States, which accounts for a quarter of the world's economy and is the largest military power, is deeply integrated with the rest of the world.

The World Explained in Maps reveals the panorama of geopolitical landscapes influencing today's governments and global financial systems. Don't miss this chance to prepare for the year ahead with the straight facts about every major country's and region's current geopolitical climate. You won't find political rhetoric or media hype here.